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AmericanWriters.com -- Creative Writing Podcast

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Learn about Deus Ex Machina -- its pros and cons and how it can hurt fiction.

AmericanWriters.com -- Creative Writing Podcast.

Writing Deus Ex Machina (Not!)

This episode doesn't just talk about what superficially motivates characters; it looks at the forces that need to stir at deeper levels.

Motives Beneath Motives

Many authors are disparaged for using prologues to start their novels -- but is it such a bad practice after all?

Writing a Novel Prologue

Trim down your writing; think about what you should include in your narrative and what should you leave out. Also, learn the difference between story and narrative.

Story, Narrative and What to Include

Many writers use their fiction as a form of activism. However, does it hurt the art form?

Writing, Ideology and Activism

Learn about the four ways to approach reading a book.

How People Read

Learn how external conflict can be written to underscore the turmoil brewing within the character's psyche.

The Subtle Dimensions of External Conflict

Learn how writing is like painting a picture. However, this episode is not what you think; it has nothing to do with writing description. Give it a listen.

Quick Writing Tip 008 -- How Writing is like Painting

Make your characters consistent. Learn how things can easily go wrong.

Quick Writing Tip 007 -- Be Consistent

Stop being so sentimental. If it serves your story, kill the characters you love.

Quick Writing Tip 006 -- Sacrifice for the Greatest Good

Kunst

Bücher

Bildung

Gesellschaft und Kultur

Philosophie

The show is designed to help writers of all levels. The focus is on characterization, narrative, plot development, dialogue, conflict, setting, literary archetypes, etc. Episodes are not centered around mindless, useless pep talks and recycled writing tips. Rather, the Podcast at AmericanWriters.com offers in-depth analysis of what works and what doesn't, with explanations and original writing samples.